What did you think of this episode?

Have you discovered hidden gifts during times of grieving? Raewyn Elsegood shares her story behind the story and offers tips to help you excel as a writer. Don’t go anywhere. Your Best Writing Life begins right now.

Welcome to Your Best Writing Life, an extension of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference held in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of NC. I’m your host, Linda Goldfarb. Each week, I bring tips and strategies from writing and publishing industry experts to help you excel in your craft. It’s great to have you listening in. During this episode, we experience The Story Behind 21 Gifts: A Sacred Dance Through Grief and Healing.

Today’s guest, Raewyn Elsegood, is an Australian chaplain, speaker, and award-winning author of 21 Gifts: A Sacred Dance Through Grief and Healing. Drawing on more than 30 years in ministry and a decade of chaplaincy, she equips people to walk compassionately beside those experiencing grief, helping them discover hope, faith, and purpose even in life's deepest losses.

Raewyn, welcome to Your Best Writing Life!

We all want to know the story behind 21 Gifts – give us some background

1. God wrote a different book than I intended.

I thought I was writing and journaling about surviving my daughter's death. Instead, God revealed that He was writing a book about discovering His gifts hidden within grief. The manuscript became as much my healing journey as it did a book for others. 

2. Writing became an act of discipleship.

Every chapter required me to sit with God before I could write for anyone else. Sometimes writing wasn't about producing words—it was about letting God reshape my heart first.

3. My greatest wound became my greatest ministry.

Losing Amy changed every part of my life and transformed my chaplaincy. The book helped me realize that God was inviting me to move from telling my story to equipping others to walk compassionately alongside grieving people.

4. Publication wasn't the finish line.

Publishing 21 Gifts opened unexpected doors to media, including teaching at conferences, YouTube, radio, podcasts, speaking engagements, disaster recovery chaplaincy, and a grief support program. The book is becoming the beginning of a much larger ministry.

5. God is still rewriting the author.

One conversation with a literary agent after a writers' conference completely changed the direction of my next book. Their feedback helped me realize God wasn't simply calling me to tell my story—He was calling me to teach from my experience as a chaplain. That shift is beautifully shaping my next book project, The Chaplain's Chair.

Writer’s tips. 

1. Write from transformation, not simply information.

Readers remember books that changed the author before they changed the audience.

2. Let God edit you before you edit your manuscript.

The deepest writing often comes after we've wrestled honestly with God.

Deep conversation----

3. Don't chase publication—pursue faithfulness.

Success isn't measured only by book sales. It's measured by obedience to the message God has entrusted to you.

What Listeners Will Gain - 

Although 21 Gifts was written for grieving people, writers will discover something equally valuable.

They'll learn that our deepest pain doesn't disqualify us from writing—it often becomes the place where God develops our most authentic voice.

Readers will gain practical, faith-filled tools for navigating grief, while writers will be encouraged to embrace vulnerability, write with courage, trust God's timing, and recognize that every story can become someone else's hope.

Ultimately, 21 Gifts reminds us that God rarely wastes our suffering; He often transforms it into the message we're uniquely called to share.

Link to Paula Mosher Wallace - Three Stages of Writing Your Pain

You can find out more about Raewyn Elsegood below.

SOCIAL LINKS:

Website - www.raewynelsegood.com

Book
21 Gifts: A Sacred Dance Through Grief and Healing
Amazon and major online bookstores

Instagram - @raewynelsegood

YouTube - @ChaplainsGriefInsights

Email - [email protected]

Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
Your host - Linda Goldfarb

#4 Podcast 2026 "Million Podcasts Top 30 Christian Writers Podcasts"
#1 Podcast 2024 "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers.
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast

What did you think of this episode?

Curious why self-publishing has become a popular choice for many authors? Christy Bass Adams shares her story behind The Master’s Classroom and writing tips to help you in your craft. 

Welcome to Your Best Writing Life, an extension of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference held in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of NC. I’m your host, Linda Goldfarb. Each week, I bring tips and strategies from writing and publishing industry experts to help you excel in your craft. It’s great to have you listening in. During this episode, we continue a new addition to Your Best Writing Life with The Story Behind the Stories series.

Christy Bass Adams is a former elementary teacher turned college instructor, a boy mom of two, a wife of a country boy, and the author of five books. She is the Outreach and Connections Coordinator at Fellowship Baptist Church, and her family lives in the “booger woods” of North Florida.

We all want to know the story behind The Master’s Classroom 

Writer’s tips. 

Ask God what he wants you to write every time you sit down to type.

Be willing to pour your heart onto the page, even if it means only one person will ever benefit. One is enough.

Obey God’s leading and trust that there is a reason for everything he prompts you to write, even if it’s scary or deeply vulnerable.

What Listeners Will Gain – 

 Anyone in education, or who has ever worked in it, will be challenged to approach their classrooms in a completely different way. From how they view their students to how they plan their lessons, The Master’s Classroom will show them that Jesus can be part of every single piece. 

Those outside of education can be the wonderful friend who buys this book for someone in the school system. Both public and private school teachers can benefit from the deep challenges this devotional Bible study brings forth. 

And for writers in general, the way this book came about will inspire them to keep looking to Jesus, because we never know what assignment he has for us next.

Called to Christ Freebie 

LINKS

www.christybassadams.com 

https://www.facebook.com/christybassadams 

The Master’s Classroom on Amazon: https://a.co/d/0gEKW1iZ 

www.tiktok.com/@christybassadams 

www.instagram.com/christybassadams 

https://www.youtube.com/@christybassadams8

Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
Your host - Linda Goldfarb

#4 Podcast 2026 "Million Podcasts Top 30 Christian Writers Podcasts"
#1 Podcast 2024 "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers.
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast

What did you think of this episode?

 Does your story contain elements of addiction and recovery? Heather Greer shares her story behind Hope Even After, along with writing tips to excel your growth, no matter your genre. 

Welcome to Your Best Writing Life, an extension of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference held in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of NC. I’m your host, Linda Goldfarb. Each week, I bring tips and strategies from writing and publishing industry experts to help you excel in your craft. It’s great to have you listening in. During this episode, we continue a new addition to Your Best Writing Life with The Story Behind the Stories series.

Heather Greer loves Jesus and great stories. She prays every book she writes helps readers embrace the greatest and truest story of all—the one of God’s love and desire for relationship with them. Whether lighthearted or serious, contemporary or historical, Heather’s books show people living faith, one story at a time.

We all want to know the story behind Hope Even After – romantic women’s fiction. The romantic portion is a second-chance romance. Overall, Hope Even After is the story of addiction, recovery, and faith from the perspective of both the addict and the one who loves them. 

Writer’s tips. 

• Embrace the tough topics if those are the stories God is laying on your heart. BUT do your due diligence. Professional feedback from those working in your subject matter, research on the topic, and personal experience (yours and others) should all weave together to show the truth of a situation, not a stereotype of the subject.
• You may write from a place of hurt at first, but make sure the final draft is written from a place of healing. 
• Stick close to God throughout the process. It’s His truth and His heart that readers need to hear when they read the story.

 What Listeners Will Gain - Happily ever after doesn’t look the same for everyone, and that’s okay. But there is always hope. As writers, we sometimes need to show hope, not just happiness. 

Jesus is our salvation and our healer, but that doesn’t mean the struggles always go away when we come into relationship with Him. And it’s okay for writers to show that. 

Giveaway Download: https://www.heathergreer.com/downloads/ 

Poster

https://www.heathergreer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Psalm-121-Lighter-Version.pdf

Wallpaper

https://www.heathergreer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2.jpg

SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.heathergreer.com

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16924648.Heather_Greer

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorHeatherGreer/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1heather.greer/ 

Newsletter Sign Up: https://preview.mailerlite.io/forms/2026129/185007145808299122/share 

Link to purchase Hope Even After – https://scrivenings.link/hopevenafter

Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
Your host - Linda Goldfarb

#4 Podcast 2026 "Million Podcasts Top 30 Christian Writers Podcasts"
#1 Podcast 2024 "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers.
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast

What did you think of this episode?

Social media collaboration opportunities for writers. Samantha Evans Tschritter shares strategies to help you get seen.  

Welcome to Your Best Writing Life, an extension of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference held in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of NC. I’m your host, Linda Goldfarb. Each week, I bring tips and strategies from writing and publishing industry experts to help you excel in your craft. I’m so glad you’re listening in. During this episode, you’ll learn about … Social Media Collaboration for Today’s Writers

With 20 years of leadership experience and contributions to forty books, today’s industry expert… multi-award-winning author S. E. Tschritter (Shridder) leads readers toward hope with content that resonates beyond the final chapter. Tschritter lives in South Carolina with her husband, three daughters, and their Siberian Husky, who’s earned the hashtag #HuskySmartPuppyDumb. 

Talking Points: 

1.) What does it mean to collaborate? What can that look like?

2.) What are the benefits of collaboration?

3.) No collaboration too small. How does that work?

Substack – YouTube - Instagram

SOCIAL LINKS: Love United  Linktr.ee  

Listener giveaway…example of Instagram collaboration…. https://www.instagram.com/p/DbuReLJgAtH/?img_index=1

Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
Your host - Linda Goldfarb

#4 Podcast 2026 "Million Podcasts Top 30 Christian Writers Podcasts"
#1 Podcast 2024 "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers.
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast

What did you think of this episode?

Have you considered writing an action-adventure technothriller? PeggySue Wells shares tips for writers, along with the story behind The Patent. 

Welcome to Your Best Writing Life, an extension of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference held in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of NC. I’m your host, Linda Goldfarb. Each week, I bring tips and strategies from writing and publishing industry experts to help you excel in your craft. It’s great to have you listening in. During this episode, we continue a new addition to Your Best Writing Life with The Story Behind the Stories series.

Today’s guest, PeggySue Wells, is the award-winning USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of nearly 50 books, including the mystery suspense title of the year, Unnatural Cause. Known for her captivating novels spanning action and adventure, romantic suspense, military romance, and cozy mystery genres—such as Chasing Sunrise, Homeless for the Holidays, and The Patent—she also empowers readers with practical nonfiction, including The Ten Best Decisions A Single Mom Can Make. A prolific writing coach, collaborator, and independent publishing strategist, PeggySue’s mission is to fill the world with stories and guides that take readers to places they’ve never been before.

PeggySue shares her fabulous writing journey of The Patent.

Writer’s tips. 

 1) Keep learning about anything and everything so you have something to write about. Always have fresh experiences so you have fresh content to include and influence your writing. 

2) Write the story. No preaching, no worries about themes or word count. Trust the power of the story. After it is roughly put down, the natural themes appear. Write first. Polish after you know the project works. As with raising children, the writing often turns out 50 percent as anticipated, and the rest takes on a direction of its own.  

3) Readers are not fond of being told what they must, should, or need to be, do, or think. They prefer to watch how things work out and then apply what fits in their own life. Don't save anything for the next book. The reader can sense when a writer withheld. Give your best and your all. Pour out, and the Lord refills you for the next project. 

Quick Guides to Writing Well Set - check this out!!!

What Listeners Will Gain – when they buy your book

Giveaway - https://authorpswells.myshopify.com/products/preorder-cohen-code-with-bonus-set-5-quick-guides-to-writing

https://authorpswells.myshopify.com/products/preorder-cohen-code-get-3-bonus-novels

You can find out more below:

SOCIAL LINKS:

Preorder Cohen Code, and be the first to read the next novel in the Marc Wayne Action Adventure series

PeggySueWells.com

Chasing Sunrise

The Patent

Secrecy Order

Unnatural Cause, best mystery suspense of the year

The Ten Best Decisions A Single Mom Can Make 

SingleMomCircle.com

Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
Your host - Linda Goldfarb

#4 Podcast 2026 "Million Podcasts Top 30 Christian Writers Podcasts"
#1 Podcast 2024 "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers.
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast

What did you think of this episode?

What story idea has God whispered, only to leave out the details? Maureen Miller shares her story behind Gideon’s Book with added tips to strengthen your writing. 

Welcome to Your Best Writing Life, an extension of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference held in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of NC. I’m your host, Linda Goldfarb. Each week, I bring tips and strategies from writing and publishing industry experts to help you excel in your craft. It’s great to have you listening in. During this episode, we continue a new addition to Your Best Writing Life with The Story Behind the Stories series.

Today’s guest, Maureen Miller, is an author and speaker who loves encouraging others in their journey with Jesus. Married to her childhood sweetheart Bill, she lives on Selah Farm in the mountains of North Carolina. She blogs at Windows and Wallflowers (maureenmillerauthor.com), and her debut novel, Gideon’s Book, is now available. 

We all want to know the story behind Gideon’s Book – give us some background

1)    God can whisper a story idea but leave the details for another time, allowing the writer to learn to listen, lean in, and let go.

2)    As an adoptive mother, with three amazing birth moms who chose life for their unborn babies despite difficult circumstances, I believe these women are heroes, and there are many among us.

3)    God’s Word—those placed by Gideons International and otherwise—is not just a figurative guide but a literal one as well, truly a lamp to our feet and a light to our path; I found this to be true in my life, and I wanted to weave such into this story.

4)    As a mother of a child of color and having experienced a literal moment when God called me to have a difficult conversation with two women at a restaurant, I wanted to weave the truth that “all it takes if pullin’ up a chair”—that being, an opportunity to share healthy, honest conversations about challenging topics.

5)    My prolife views are rooted in a decision I made long ago after facing what I feared was an unplanned pregnancy when I was seventeen and unmarried.

Writer’s Tips. 

1)    Stay the course, trusting God for His perfect timing to birth your words (Esther 4:14); 

2)    “Hone your craft!”—Said by the wonderful Cecil Murphey, who keynoted at Write To Publish 2007, which echoed throughout the almost two decades it took to write Gideon’s Book; 

3)    Be courageous enough to write the messages God gives, believing His will to be accomplished even when it’s hard. 

What Listeners Will Gain - I believe they’ll gain truth steeped in God’s Word from my Gideon’s Book backstory, and thus be encouraged to seek Him more specifically to discover for themselves how God might be calling them to a task that they know is beyond their ability—only God! (Like Gideon in Judges 6 and in my story!) 

Listener giveaway - One copy of Gideon’s Book in the format of your choice! Join us on Facebook -  Your Best Writing Life and leave a comment prior to 7 PM ET August 3, 2026.

LINKS

Facebook -- https://www.facebook.com/maureen.miller.393/

Website – “Windows and Wallflowers” at https://maureenmillerauthor.com

Email – [email protected]

Gideon’s Book Amazon Link -- https://a.co/d/0332c4T7 

Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
Your host - Linda Goldfarb

#4 Podcast 2026 "Million Podcasts Top 30 Christian Writers Podcasts"
#1 Podcast 2024 "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers.
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast

What did you think of this episode?

How do you write a book that tells intimate details of your life? Amanda Scarborough shows us how as she shares her story behind A Beautiful War. I’m glad you’re here…

Welcome to Your Best Writing Life, an extension of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference held in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of NC. I’m your host, Linda Goldfarb. Each week, I bring tips and strategies from writing and publishing industry experts to help you excel in your craft. It’s great to have you listening in. During this episode, we continue a new addition to Your Best Writing Life with The Story Behind the Stories series.

Today’s guest, Amanda Scarborough, is an award-winning author, speaker, and entrepreneur who helps women find hope in life’s darkest seasons. While facing postpartum depression and overwhelming fear, she encountered the restoring power of Jesus. Today she shares her story to reveal His love, guiding others toward healing, freedom, and a renewed identity in Christ. 

We all want to know the story behind A Beautiful War: Finding Hope in the Darkest Moments  – Amanda shares deep insight into Postpartum Depression, Surrender, Obedience, Patience, and Healing. Her memoir shows Surrender, Hope, and a mother's personal Perspective

Writer’s tips. 

1. Develop a writing prayer team. 
2. If the Lord has called you into unfamiliar waters, pray and trust His guidance. 
3. Go to reputable writing/speaking conferences.

Tell us a little more about A Beautiful War: Finding Hope in the Darkest Moments. The new, revised & expanded version is available now in eBook, audio, and paperback wherever books are sold. 

What Listeners Will Gain - They will learn to find hope in dark seasons or times of struggle, how to surrender, and the difference between knowing who God is and being in a relationship with Him.

Listener Giveaway Drawing -  A Gift Basket - (without a basket - lol) 

• 1- Signed copy of A Beautiful War
• 1 - A Beautiful War Leather Bracelet 
• A few - Red Heart of Hope Prayer Cloths 
• 32 Prayer Cards of Hope

The drawing is for U.S. distribution - Your name is placed in the running when you leave a comment on Amanda's Tuesday, July 21, 2026, release post in the Your Best Writing Life Facebook Group.

The drawing will take place on Monday, July 27, 2026. The winner will be announced in the YBWL group.

Amanda Scarborough's SOCIAL LINKS:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/amanda.l.scarborough/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/Amanda.L.Scarborough/

Website: www.AmandaLScarborough.com

Book links: Amazon https://a.co/d/052CxGsE

Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
Your host - Linda Goldfarb

#4 Podcast 2026 "Million Podcasts Top 30 Christian Writers Podcasts"
#1 Podcast 2024 "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers.
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast

What did you think of this episode?

Is your writing a result of perseverance? Sarah Schwerin shares her story behind The Willow Still Sings and tips to equip your writing. 

Welcome to Your Best Writing Life, an extension of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference held in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of NC. I’m your host, Linda Goldfarb. Each week, I bring tips and strategies from writing and publishing industry experts to help you excel in your craft. It’s great to have you listening in. During this episode, we continue the new addition to Your Best Writing Life, The Story Behind the Stories series.

Today's guest, Sarah Schwerin, a former homeschool mom, is an author, a speaker with Stonecroft Ministries, and a mentor with Word Weavers International. Her writing has appeared in publications including Mature Living, Bible Advocate, and The Upper Room. Her 1950s historical novel, The Willow Still Sings, is available now on Amazon.

Tell us the story behind The Willow Still Sings

·      The Willow Still Sings is loosely based on my mother’s journey with polio. Her faith and compassion in the face of hardship helped me become who I am today. The end of my book includes my mom’s story in her own words. I’m awed that her story can encourage and inspire others just as it did me. 

·      In The Willow Still Sings, Florence struggles with misplaced guilt from her childhood, which shapes many of her reactions in the novel. My journey mirrors Florence's in that I have struggled with shame but have embraced the hope and healing only God provides. 

·      After homeschooling my two sons, I began to pursue writing and speaking full-time. At my first conference, I felt overwhelmed by my lack of knowledge and the eventual rejection. At my second conference, God taught me an important lesson when I lost a contest and had to accept an award for a friend. Be happy for your writing friends and enjoy the journey. Every writer’s journey is unique. Your day will come. It won’t look like someone else’s. But your writing will do just what God wants it to do. 

·      Writing The Willow Still Sings helped me realize the truth that there is nothing new under the sun. Polio outbreaks were similar to life during the COVID pandemic. People had to quarantine, and there was widespread fear and confusion. We can learn a lot from our past. 

Three tips for writers.

·      Research helps a story come alive for readers. Research can be conducted in a variety of ways, including my favorites: interviewing others and taking field trips. 

·      Events in our lives and the lives of family members can encourage others and provide a way for our loved ones’ legacies to live on. 

·      Events in our lives and the lives of family members can provide “story seeds” for our current and future projects. 

 What will the listeners gain from your book? 

·      Listeners will learn the importance of perseverance. Like Florence, we must continue to choose to love and to remain in God’s calling, even when life is difficult. 

·      Listeners will learn to use stories from their lives as a seed to begin or enhance their own stories. 

·      Listeners will learn about the importance of research in their writing projects. 

Free download – Giveaway | Sarah Schwerin

LINKS

·      Website: sarahschwerin.com

·      Amazon book link: https://a.co/d/065Jtq26 

·      Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SchwerinAuthor/

·      Instagram: Instagram

Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
Your host - Linda Goldfarb

#4 Podcast 2026 "Million Podcasts Top 30 Christian Writers Podcasts"
#1 Podcast 2024 "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers.
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast

What did you think of this episode?

Do you write assured that God is at work, no matter what? Today, Joni Topper shares her story behind The Power of a Well-Placed Yes and tips to help you achieve writing success.

Welcome to Your Best Writing Life, an extension of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference held in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of NC. I’m your host, Linda Goldfarb. Each week, I bring tips and strategies from writing and publishing industry experts to help you excel in your craft. It’s great to have you listening in. During this episode, we continue a new addition to Your Best Writing Life with The Story Behind the Stories series.

Today’s guest, Joni Topper, the GloryTeller, shares God’s glory through inspiring stories. This Granna, author, worship leader, speaker, and cofounder of Uprooted Women, radiates passionate joy for “being” the Church. Her award-winning debut, The Power of a Well-Placed Yes, highlights God’s faithfulness. She’s served with her pastor husband for thirty years.

We all want to know the story behind The Power of a Well-Placed Yes – give us some background

1. What you can see does not always define what God is actually doing.
2. It is not us, but God who does the real work in the hearts of those we serve.
3. There are seasons of ministry for which God prepares us, and his methods do not follow our design.
4. The things you do that are important will likely be hard. They are worth the yes of faith it takes to reach the rewards that only God can orchestrate.

Writer’s tips.

1. Read the guidelines and follow them. Then submit, submit, submit.
2. Capture the inspiration when it happens. Record a message to yourself or write it down immediately.
3. Don’t assume that small acts of obedience are unimportant. They are often the very things that God uses.

What Listeners Will Gain – from The Power of a Well-Placed Yes: God’s Abundant Faithfulness in a Small Church

Readers will be encouraged that their faithful yes matters. They will observe the impact of God’s faithfulness and remember that he is trustworthy. Their desire to be part of God’s plan will be renewed, as will their servant’s heartbeat that often drives our ministry. They will recognize that God does not abandon us. They will rest in the hope that the results we aspire to achieve are safe in God’s hands. 

SOCIAL LINKS:

Facebook, Instagram, Amazon.com: Joni Topper Pinterest 

www.jonitopper.com

Join Joni's email list to receive her free decision guide for your next yes or no. 

The Power of a Well-Placed Yes

The Art of Resilience

Gather the Goodness

Sage, Salt & Sunshine

Love, Joy & Peace

Successful in His Eyes

Transformed by His Grace

Renewed Christmas Blessings

Life in the Estrogen-Free Zone

Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
Your host - Linda Goldfarb

#4 Podcast 2026 "Million Podcasts Top 30 Christian Writers Podcasts"
#1 Podcast 2024 "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers.
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast

What did you think of this episode?

Are you spiritually fatigued and ready to embrace the reality of Psalm 37:4? Get ready to hear how you can delight in the Lord as Stephanie Rousselle shares her story behind Awaken Delight.

Welcome to Your Best Writing Life, an extension of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference held in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of NC. I’m your host, Linda Goldfarb. Each week, I bring tips and strategies from writing and publishing industry experts to help you excel in your craft. It’s great to have you listening in. During this episode, we continue a new addition to Your Best Writing Life with The Story Behind the Stories series.

Today’s guest, Stephanie Rousselle, is a Bible teacher, speaker, host of the Gospel Spice podcast, and founder of Gospel Spice Ministries. She is the author of "Awaken Delight", a book that releases with IVP in July 2026. Born and raised in France, Stephanie is a former atheist whose life motto is now “God’s glory, our delight.” Having lived in four different countries on three continents, she currently resides with her family in Pennsylvania.

We all want to know the story behind Awaken Delight – give us some background

"Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart."

This is God's promise to you in Psalm 37:4. But many believers quietly assume it's just a poetic suggestion, or it doesn't really work here on earth.

In Awaken Delight, Stephanie Rousselle invites you to rediscover what Scripture actually means by delight in God. It's not emotional hype or religious performance, but a steady satisfaction rooted in who God is.

Through biblical theology and practical rhythms, you'll learn how delighting in God:

·      reshapes suffering

·      quiets restless striving

·      anchors your identity in God's unshakable delight in you

Learning to delight in God is the quiet revolution that reshapes how we endure pain, love others, and understand our own hearts.

Awaken Delight is a theologically grounded spiritual formation book for thoughtful believers who feel spiritually fatigued and are ready to embrace the reality of Psalm 37:4.

·       Delight in God is identity-shaping, not emotion-driven. Delight in God is not a fleeting emotion but a resilient identity.

·       Delight in God is altogether trust, satisfaction in God, relational intimacy with Him.

·       Delight in God is often expressed and grown through resilient joy under suffering.

·       Delight in God is the missing engine behind resilience. It’s the antidote to burnout. It’s even the foundation for sustainable ministry.

·       God’s delight in you is secure, not performance-dependent. God’s delight in you frees you from striving! That’s the beginning of delight.

·       Jesus is the center of every endeavor to delight in God.

·       You can build a delight-centered spiritual life.

Writer’s tips. See giveaway!!!

What Listeners Will Gain - We will dismantle the lies writers believe.

Listener giveaway…https://www.gospelspice.com/awd-lindagoldfarb

We have 3 gifts for you:

1 - a 5-day email devotional to awaken your delight in God, rooted in His delight of you;

2 - a private podcast episode where Stephanie shares the lies she has overcome, as a writer, through delight in God;

3 - a "writer's prayer" ready to download and print.

https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight - preorder book today

https://www.amazon.com/Awaken-Delight-Satisfying-Souls-Longing/dp/1514013584

Stephanie's SOCIAL LINKS:

https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight

https://www.instagram.com/stephanierousselle.us/ 

https://www.facebook.com/stephanie.rousselle.904/

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Your host - Linda Goldfarb

#4 Podcast 2026 "Million Podcasts Top 30 Christian Writers Podcasts"
#1 Podcast 2024 "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers.
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast